Question- how to clean vintage glasses frames?

[caul]

Hello!

I have a pair of glasses frames that were my father's that I would like to use. They fit and I should be able to have lenses made for them. However, they're pretty grungy- from what I can tell from photos, he wore these in the late 40's, early 50's. I want to clean them up before I take them in but I'm not sure the best product to use to clean them and I don't want to damage them. I though of just mild dish soap or possibly vinegar or alcohol. If anyone has any experience doing this, I would appreciate any tips!

These are the frames:


IMG_4362 by arcocelli, on Flickr

 

[scotrace]

Try this:

Use an old toothbrush, wet it and then run the bristles over a mild bar of soap like Ivory or Nutrogena. Then gently scrub the glasses with it. It's very effective at removing the built up green whatevertheheckitis that gunks up nose pads. Keep at it for a few minutes and I think you'll be surprised at how good they look after rinsing. I found this method on my own and have used it many, many times on glasses new and old.

 

[caul]

Try this:

Use an old toothbrush, wet it and then run the bristles over a mild bar of soap like Ivory or Nutrogena. Then gently scrub the glasses with it. It's very effective at removing the built up green whatevertheheckitis that gunks up nose pads. Keep at it for a few minutes and I think you'll be surprised at how good they look after rinsing. I found this method on my own and have used it many, many times on glasses new and old.

thanks! It's old you mention using a toothbrush, I wondered if toothpaste (watered down a bit) might be a good cleaner. I'll stick with your method first!

 

[Edward]

I've just ordered one of these from Amazon:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004429Q64/ref=oss_product

Not the cheapest solution, but if it does what they claim, more than worth it.